Normally one wouldn't be interested in a movie about the development of the VHS, however, Kiyoshi Sasabe was able to present in a way that keeps the veiwer interested throughout. With a cast that includes great actors such as Ken Watanabe and Ryoko Shinohara, who have both had many roles in big television series and movies, and the backstory of how the great VHS came to be, this film was a formula for excellence. It is about the drama and hardships involved in the development and success of the VHS.
An average joe, Shizuo Kagaya, is nearing his retirement just when he is moved to the small electronics branch of his company to become the supervisor there. Kagaya is a quiet person and is rarely assertive, so he is moved to Yokohama with little argument. Upon his arrival, he is confronted by some men who are "retiring," against their own will it seems. Having only graduated high school himself, Kagaya is able to relate to them and keeps them on the team. Soon after he settles in, he is asked to reduce the amount of workers in his branch by twenty percent. From a team of about 250, he would be laying off around 50 people. However, he needs each and everyone one of them for their unique talents. Kagaya is able to learn all of his employee's name and asks his assistant, Okubo, give him a report on each of them. After many events and complaints, Kagaya comes up with the idea to make the video cassette player available for people at home. Not only that, he wants it to be small and lightweight.
Soon after their near defeat of Sony's release of the Betamax, they are finally able to finish their product. He declares it's name to be the Video Home System, or VHS. However, at this point, the Betamax's sales are soaring. Everyone becomes sceptical if their VHS will even sell. After all of the hardships he put everyone through, Kagaya did not want to see the VHS sink. This is where he and Okubo step up and fight for their baby's survival. Okubo comes up with the idea to visit Matsushita's president and talk to him personally about their hand in the sale of the VHS. On his way to the Matsushita headquarters, Kagaya's supportive wife falls ill, but he continues to fight. They are able to confront the Matsushita president and show the company the VHS. Kagaya returns to his hospitalized wife and stays with her. Victor Electronics decide to sell the VHS on their own in hopes that the consumers will realize that their product is better than the Betamax, however the outlook doesn't look well for them. That is when Matsushita finally decides to also sell the VHS. It is a great moment of victory for Kagaya, his family, and Okubo. Kagaya is finally able to retire with the assurance that he has set up a secure future for his employees.
Though not very action packed, Dawn of a New Day was a very passionate film. A truly enjoyable movie that will make anyone feel better at the end of a rough day.
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